Structural components for the composition of disassemblable pieces of furniture

ABSTRACT

Structural components (pieces of furniture) comprising a plurality of panels, angle members and closing plates, wherein the panels have longitudinal edges including a first coupling formation and a complementary coupling formation extending along the longitudinal edges, the first coupling formation of each panel being interfitted with the second coupling formation of another panel designed to be slidably interlocked with the former panel whereby two panels can be interlocked at a right angle. Angle members, designed to stiffen the connection between two panels and to prevent sliding movements parallel to their longitudinal edges, are provided with means for fixing them to the panels. The closing plates are each constituted to a board or sheet provided with means adapted to be engaged in the holes provided in the angle members.

United States Patent 1191 & 9

Piretti 1 Dec. 24, 1974 [54] STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS FOR THE 3,667,1866/1972 1on6 52 594 COMPOSITION OF DISASSEMBLABLE 3,722,704 '3/1973Piretti 211/148 X PIECES OF FURNITURE FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS[75] Inventor: Giancarlo Piretti, Bologna, Italy 672,556 10/1963 Canada52 594 [73] ASSignee: Anonima casteuii 8.3.5., Bologna 349,059 11/1960Sw|tzerland 52/284 Italy Primary ExaminerRamon S. Britts 1973 Attorney,Agent, or Firm-Karl F. Ross; Herbert 21 *Appl. No.: 329,131 DubnoRelated US. Application Data [57] ABSTRACT [62] Division of Ser. No.164,592, July 21, 1971, Pat. No.

3,722,704 Structural components (pleces of furniture) comprising aplurality of panels, angle members and closing 52 U.S. c1 211/148,52/582, 312/108 vleteswwhereih the P have longitudinal edges 51 1111.C1. A47i 5/00 eluding first coupling formation and a complemen- Field fSearch 211/148, 177, 5 5 tary coupling formation extending along thelongitudi- 52 5 5 5 463, 75 D, 75 R 75 K 75 1 nal edges, the firstcoupling formation of each panel Y, 753 T, 594 2 4; 312/1 11 257 R beinginterfitted with the second coupling formation 7 T of another paneldesigned to be slidably interlocked 5 References Cited with the formerpanel whereby two panels can be in- UNITED STATES PATENTS terlocked at aright angle. Angle members, designed to Y stiffen the connection betweentwo panels and to prea vent sliding movements parallel to theirlongitudinal l mslos x s 22/284 X j edges, are provided with means forfixing them-to the 2'373789 4/1945 Smith" Y X panels. The closing platesare each constituted to a 218211450 1/1958 X11611 1:21:11: 1:: 312/111board of Sheet Provided with means adapted to be 3,370,s71 2/1968Piarotto 52/753 R V g g in the holes Provided in the angle members-3,585,768 6/1971 Klein 1 52/582 X 3,661,434 5/1972 Alster 312/111 10 C 8Fgures PATENTEBBEEZMQM sumauiq PATENTEUDECZMHM lllull q @AMQ STRUCTURALCOMPONENTS FOR THE COMPOSITION OF DISASSEMBLABLE PIECES OF FURNITUREFIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to structural,components which can be slidably interfitted and fixedly locked togetherso as to form pieces of furniture, such aswardrobes, bookshelves,writing-desks with drawers,

which can be assembled without requiring the use of tools, screws or thelike, and, more particularly to such structures or pieces of furniturewhich, after being assembled, can be also readily disassembled.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The structural components of this inventioncomprise, as main components, a plurality of panels. Each panel along atleast one of its longitudinal edges is provided with a profilecomprising a first coupling formation and a complementary secondcoupling formation extending along lines parallel tosaid edge. Thepanels have in general a standard width, while they can have any length.The panels can be obtained from a strip having a length which is amultiple of a modular value, the panels of any desired length being cutoff from the strip. All the panels are similar and can be mutuallyinterlocked by slidably interfitting the male element or rib of onepanel and the female element or groove of another panel (i.e., the firstand second coupling formations respectively of the two panels) to causethe panels to be interlocked together. Owing to the particular operativeposition of the coupling formations, which act in planes at right anglesto one another and at an angle of 45 to the longitudinal center (median)plane of the panel, two interfitting panels can be interconnected at anangle of 90 with respect to one another. Three panels can beinterconnected together so-as to form a T-junction and four panels 'canbe crossconnected to each other. The panels, so interengaged with oneanother, form a plurality of modular box-like elements definingcompartments which are rectangular in cross-section, and which can besuperposed and/or juxtaposed along at least one of the three directions.The box-like modular elements can be set at right angles to one another,and parallel to the corners of a panel, the compartments having at leasttwo closed sides formed by these panels.

Two interfitting panels are fastened together by removable angle membersprovided with means engage able with the panel bodies near the junctioncorner.

Further the structural components comprise plates which close one of theopen ends of one or more adjacent modular elements. These plates aredesigned to constitute the roofing (top), and/or the bottom and/or therear wall of one or more compartments, and are provided with grippingmeans or the like receivable in seats arranged in said angle members.

Using the aforedescribed structural components. pieces of furniture canbe made with inner compartments which have at least one open side.Drawers for said pieces of furniture can also be constructed accordingto the same principle. The side walls of the drawer are formed by suchpanels, while the bottom can be one means of the aforesaid plates. Thedrawer, alternately, can be constituted of a crystal (transparent) sheetor the like which is supported by looking devices inserted in the seatsof the angle members, or by conventional means.

By using the structural components of this invention, pieces offurniture of various designs can be made, wherein the panels constitutethe support structure, while the angle members serve to stiffen thejunctions between two interfitting panels and, at the same time, preventany sliding movement of one panel relative to an other in the directionalong which the first and second coupling formations extend. Thecovering plates act as closing members as well as bracing means for thesupport structure because of the gripping means engaged in the seatsprovided in the angle members.

A plurality of modular box like elements can be arranged in rows and/orin columns with their open ends positioned as desired. Since the openends are aligned in a common vertical plane, a wardrobe or a shelfstructure can be erected. The presence of drawers is optional anddepends on the intended use of the piece of furniture.

The sets of modular elements arranged in columns spaced apart from oneanother and associated with an upper board or plate form a writing-desk,optionally provided with drawers. Several modular elements connectedselectively to one another along one or more of directions of the threeCartesian coordinate axes and having their open ends in coplanaralignment with two of these three directions and arranged in one or morelevels, from a book-case or a shelf structure. Of course, the pieces offurniture described are given merely examples of some of the most commonpractical embodiments of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING This invention is hereinafter'described in amore detailed manner with reference to the accompanying drawing, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a plan view'of a panel provided with first and second couplingformations along both the longitudinal edges; 7

FIG. 2 is a cross section taken along line AA of FIG. I;

FIG. 3 is a cross section taken perpendicularly to the interfittingedges of a member of panels forming interconnected modular elements; 4

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional detail, in an enlarged scale, of an anglejunction of the structure shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a partial vertical cross section of a modular elementconstituting a drawer, wherein the panels of this invention form thefour side walls of said drawer, the section being taken along the planepassing through the axes of the pins projecting downwardly from thebottom plate and designed to be received in holes arranged in thestiffening angle members, the broken lines indicating optionalsuperposed additional drawers; and

FIGS. 6 to 8 show diagrammatic perspective views of some differentcompositions.

other flat surface of the same profile 2. the

' SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION acting respectively in two directions at a rightangle and at an angle of 45 to the longitudinal median plane of therespective panel. The coupling formations are preferablyobtained by theuse of an inserted metallic profile 2 shaped by an extrusion process andfixed to the panel body a by suitable means 7 as hereinafter described.I

each profile 2 (FIG. 4) has two mutually orthogonal float surfacesforming an angle of 45 with the longitudinal median plane of the panelto which the profile 2 is fixed so that the cross section forming anisosceles right-angle triangle where its hypotenuse is in contact withthe edge of the panel 1 in which the profile 2 is inserted, (FIGS. 2, 4and 5). Thus as two panels 1 are interengaged together one pair of thesaid flat surfaces are incontact with one another and lie along a planeof bisecting the dihedral angle defined by the facing (inner) surfacesof two interfitted panels, i.e., the plane of the junction between twointerfitted panels coincides with the bisecting plane so that thecoupling formations are able toact in a direction perpendicular to thisplane. therefore the first coupling formation or male element 6 projectsoutwards from one of said flat surfaces of hte profile 2 and thecomplementary second coupling formation or female element 9 is sunk intothe The male and female elements, which have complementary'configurations, are so positioned that the male element or bead 6 of theprofile 2 (integral with one panel 1) mates with the female element (orgroove) 4 arranged in the profile 2 of the panel I designed to beinterlocked with the former panel as they are slidably interfitted.

The coupling formations are so shaped (i.e., the bead has a head thickerthan its web) the disconnection of the interfitted panels I under theeffect of stresses substantially perpendicular to the direction alongwhich the panels 1 are caused to slide (i.e., perpendicular to thebisecting plane) in order to attain their interfitted arrangement. I

The female element is constituted by the groove 4 provided with alongitudinal, transversely restricted entrance opening 3, while the maleelement is constituted by a complementary longitudinal projecting rib 6provided with a web of reduced thickness defining longitudinal siderecesses 5 so as to be able to be slideably received in the groove 3, 4of the panel 1 associated therewith.

' The restricted portion defined by the recesses 5 inserted in therestricted orifice 4 prevents separation of one panel 1 from theinterfitted panel 1. Thus by connecting to each other two, three or fourpanels 1 so as to meet in a common straight line at a corner (FIG. 4), aT-configuration and a cross configuration (FIG. 3) can be obtained. Thepanels I can only slide in the di- 4 rectionof the longitudinal edges ofthe interengaged panels, i.e., parallel to the. coupling formations provided in the profiles 2 fixed thereto.

In order to prevent this longitudinal movement, removable members areinserted near the corner where the panels I interfit with one another,the members being also provided to cooperate in stiffening theconnection between interfitted panels 1.

Each of said members is constituted by an angle body 8 (FIG. 4) havingtwo mutually orthogonal surfaces from which outwardly projectcylindrical pins 9 having axes lying in planes perpendicular to both themutually orthogonal surfaces, and at an angle of 45 with respect to therespective surface opening towards the corner at which the orthogonalsurfaces meet.

At the zones of the panels 1, where two angle members 8 are to besecured to the panels 1, similarly inclined holes 10 are arranged in thepanel 1 into which the pins 9 can be inserted with a light friction fit,as the angle member 8 is caused'to approach the corner, formed by thetwo interfitted panels 1, direction perpendicularto saidcorner, whilemaintaining said angle member 8 equally spaced apart from the facingsurfaces of the two interlocked panels 1 (FIGS. 3- and 4).

The angle members 8 are also provided with at least one hole 11, havingan axis parallel to both the mutually orthogonal surfaces of the member8 and designed to receive and resiliently lock a pin 13 (FIG. 5)outwardly projecting from a plate 12 designed to close one of the openends of one or more modular elements constituted by two, three or fourpanels 1. The plate 12 near each of its corners or vertices has the saidprojectingpin 13. Ofcourse, in the case wherein a single plate 12 isdesigned to close a plurality of interconnected modular elements, theplate l2 will have a greater length. Further in this case the plate 12can be placed only outside of the elements so that it must have longerpins 13, enabling engagement in the holes ll. A plate 12 is used toclose a side of a single modular element and can also be embeddedbetween the walls of the panelsl forming this modular element. The pins13 are preferably shaped as double cones having a central restrictedportion and the holes 11 have a substantially complementary form so thatthe pins 13 can enter through the holes 11 with a light deformation,owing to the fact that theplates 12, as well as the pins 13 are made ofplastic material. Thus the pins 13 can be'fixed into the holes 11 with alight friction (FIG. 5) and afterwards the plates 12 are stabilized.

As has hereinabove been stated, by the use of panels 1, modular elementsof a rectangular cross section can be constructed which can in turn bevariously combined so as to obtain a plurality of juxtaposed and/orsuperposed compartments so as to form pieces of furniture of differentdesigns as, for instance, a wardrobe or shelf structure (FIG. 6), awriting-desk (FIG. 7) and a book-case (FIG. 8). All the open ends of allor of a number of compartments may face one of the directions of threeaxes parallel to the corners of the modular elements. In the case wherethe modular elements are formed with four panels 1, they may alsoconstitute independent units which can be connected to each other byscrews inserted in holes 16 (FIGS. 1 and 2) which can also havedifferent positions, if staggered or angularly turned dispositions ofthe modular elements are desired.

- By the use of the structural components of this invention, drawers 14can be made; for such a purpose four interfitting panels 1a of a sameheight are used to form the side walls of the drawer 14, said wallsbeing stiffened by the insertion of lower angle members 8, on which isplaced a plate 12, the pins 13 of which will be engaged into the holes11 of said members 8. Of course, said plate 12 could also be substitutedwith a sheet of crystal or any other suitable material, on which pinscould be fixed similar to the pins 13; also other locking means, can beused.

I claim:

1. A structural unit comprising at least three substantially identicalpanels having parallel edges, a connecting member secured along each ofsaid parallel edges, each connecting member having a pair of outwardlyconverging faces atsubstantially a right angle to one another and atangles of 45 to a median plane through the panel, one face of each ofsaid members being formed with a longitudinally extending groove and theother face of each member being formed with a longitudinally extendingrib substantially perpendicular to the respective other face andcomplementarily receivable in a said groove of another connectingmember, said panels forming at least two right angles between them andbeing interconnected at angular junctions by said ribs and grooves, atleast one angle reinforcement secured to the adjacent inner surfaces ofsaid panels at each of said junctions having holes opening in adirection parallel to the ribs and grooves at the respective junction atleast along one side of said panels, and a constricted regionintermediate a pair of enlarged portions, said holes being of aconfiguration complementary to that of said pins.

3. The structural unit defined in claim 1 wherein said reinforcementsare provided with pins extending at angles of 45 to the legs thereof andreceived in the panels of the respective comers.

4. The structural unit defined in claim 1 wherein said plate forms thebottom and said panels form the wall of a drawer.

r 5. The structural unit defined in claim 1 wherein said panels definefour sides of a box and said plate closes an end of said box. v

6. The structural unit defined in claim 5 wherein said plate is receivedwithin said box and said pins extend into said holes from the interiorthereof.

7. The structural unit defined in claim 5, further comprising additionalsimilar panels connected to at least some of the first-mentioned panelsat the respective members whereby a plurality of boxes are formed instacked relation, thereby producing a furniture module.

8. The structural unit defined in claim 7 wherein said two such modulesare disposed in spaced-apart relation, further comprising a desk topseated on said modules.

9. The structural united defined in claim 8 wherein at least one of saidmodules is formed with a drawer comprising panels interconnected alongtheir edges by such members and a further such plate forming the body ofthe drawer.

10. The structural unit defined in claim 7 wherein said boxes aredisposed in a horizontal array of adjacent rows of vertically stackedboxes.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No.3,856,147 D t Dec. 24, 1974 Inventor(s) Giancarlo Piretti It iscertified that error appears in the above-identified patent and thatsaid Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

The term of this patent subsequent to March 27, 1990,

has been disclaimed.

Signed and Sealed this Seventeenth Day Of August 1976 [SEAL] Arrest:

RUTH C. MASON V C. MARSHALL DANN Arresting Officer Commissioneroj'Patents and Trademarks

1. A structural unit comprising at least three substantially identicalpanels having parallel edges, a connecting member secured along each ofsaid parallel edges, each connecting member having a pair of outwardlyconverging faces at substantially a right angle to one another and atangles of 45* to a median plane through the panel, one face of each ofsaid members being formed with a longitudinally extending groove and theother face of each member being formed with a longitudinally extendingrib substantially perpendicular to the respective other face andcomplementarily receivable in a said groove of another connectiNgmember, said panels forming at least two right angles between them andbeing interconnected at angular junctions by said ribs and grooves, atleast one angle reinforcement secured to the adjacent inner surfaces ofsaid panels at each of said junctions having holes opening in adirection parallel to the ribs and grooves at the respective junction atleast along one side of said panels, and a plate spanning said side andhaving pins extending in said direction and receivable in said holeswhereby said plate is perpendicular to said panels.
 2. The structuralunit defined in claim 1 wherein each of said pins is of doubly-conicalconfiguration with a constricted region intermediate a pair of enlargedportions, said holes being of a configuration complementary to that ofsaid pins.
 3. The structural unit defined in claim 1 wherein saidreinforcements are provided with pins extending at angles of 45* to thelegs thereof and received in the panels of the respective corners. 4.The structural unit defined in claim 1 wherein said plate forms thebottom and said panels form the wall of a drawer.
 5. The structural unitdefined in claim 1 wherein said panels define four sides of a box andsaid plate closes an end of said box.
 6. The structural unit defined inclaim 5 wherein said plate is received within said box and said pinsextend into said holes from the interior thereof.
 7. The structural unitdefined in claim 5, further comprising additional similar panelsconnected to at least some of the first-mentioned panels at therespective members whereby a plurality of boxes are formed in stackedrelation, thereby producing a furniture module.
 8. The structural unitdefined in claim 7 wherein said two such modules are disposed inspaced-apart relation, further comprising a desk top seated on saidmodules.
 9. The structural united defined in claim 8 wherein at leastone of said modules is formed with a drawer comprising panelsinterconnected along their edges by such members and a further suchplate forming the body of the drawer.
 10. The structural unit defined inclaim 7 wherein said boxes are disposed in a horizontal array ofadjacent rows of vertically stacked boxes.